Random and not so random musings from a 5th generation NE Missourian who became a 1st generation Episcopalian. Let the good times roll!

(Carving of 4th Station in Stations of the Cross, at Almondbury with Farnley Tyas Church, near West Yorkshire, UK)

The
Fourth Sorrow--Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary

Who, on Christ's dear mother gazing,
in her trouble so amazing,
born of woman, would not weep?
Who, on Christ's dear Mother thinking,
such a cup of sorrow drinking,
would not share her sorrows deep?

Nothing could have consoled Mary when she saw her son on the way to
Calvary--whipped and scourged, the crowds mocking, taunting and jeering.
Perhaps they also scorned her for approaching him, mocking her cries and moans
as she beheld the horror of what had been done to Jesus. But perhaps also
in that crowd there were silent mothers whose stomach churned at the thought,
"This could be my child. I could be that woman."

Each day, mothers travel long distances to see their children in prison and in
police stations. Some behold the horror of their children beaten by
authorities. In some countries, brutality at the hands of police and
soldiers is typical and expected, rather than unusual and deplorable.
Some of these mothers will discover that their daughters will have been raped
by those who swore to uphold and protect the laws. Some mothers will see
their children's limbs blown off by land mines and IED's, or visit them in the
hospital following such events. Some mothers will weep at the side of
their children dying on the battlefield.

Let us pray. (silence)

Liberator God, when we view the carnage of the world news through media
sources, remind us that these could be our children, our parents, our
siblings. Help us to see the pain of the Blessed Virgin Mary beholding
her son at Calvary, rather than to pass judgment on the situation or the
politics. Fill our eyes with her tears, our hearts with her sorrow, our
stomachs with her aching love for her Son. Place your words in our mouths
so we can find the voice to speak out on behalf of the oppressed; animate our
hands and feet to work for justice and peace. We ask this in the name of
your Son, the Prince of Peace. Amen.